Vermont H 528: An act relating to improper disposal of a hypodermic needle or syringe in a sensitive area

Bill Text

BILL AS INTRODUCED H.528
2026 Page 1 of 2

VT LEG #385176 v.5
H.528 1
Introduced by Representatives LaLonde of South Burlington, Burkhardt of 2
South Burlington, Krasnow of South Burlington, Minier of 3
South Burlington, and Nugent of South Burlington 4
Referred to Committee on 5
Date: 6
Subject: Health; drug paraphernalia; improper disposal of a hypodermic needle 7
or syringe in a sensitive area 8
Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to create a 9
misdemeanor offense for improper disposal of a hypodermic needle or syringe 10
in a sensitive area such as a playground, park, child care facility, or school. 11
An act relating to improper disposal of a hypodermic needle or syringe in a 12
sensitive area 13
It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: 14
Sec. 1. 18 V.S.A. § 4479 is added to read: 15
§ 4479. IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF A HYPODERMIC NEEDLE OR 16
SYRINGE IN A SENSITIVE AREA 17
(a) As used in this section: 18
(1) “Playground” means any park or outdoor recreational area 19
specifically designed or intended to be used by children that has play 20

BILL AS INTRODUCED H.528
2026 Page 2 of 2

VT LEG #385176 v.5
equipment installed or provides space for children to engage in recreation or 1
athletics. 2
(2) “Sensitive area” means the grounds of a playground, beach, park, 3
child care facility as defined in 33 V.S.A. § 3511, public or independent 4
school, or regional career technical education center. 5
(b) A person shall not knowingly or recklessly discard or dispose of a 6
hypodermic needle or syringe in a sensitive area. A person who violates this 7
section shall be imprisoned not more than one year or fined not more than 8
$1,000.00, or both. 9
(c) Subsection (b) of this section shall not apply to the containment, 10
treatment, and disposal of medical sharps waste from medical care or first aid 11
services rendered on the grounds of a child care facility, public or independent 12
school, or regional career technical education center, nor to the containment, 13
treatment, and disposal of hypodermic needles or syringes used for 14
instructional or educational purposes at such places. 15
Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE 16
This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026. 17